Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Luncheon of the Boating Party, 1880–81, Oil on canvas, 51 1/4 x 69 1/8 in., The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC, Acquired 1923.

From the Phillips Collection:

“Following its historic loan to the Musée d’Orsay in Paris for the exhibition Renoir and Love: A Joyful Modernity (1865–1885), Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party—a cornerstone of The Phillips Collection—returns to public view beginning Tuesday, August 11.

The painting will again be on display in Gallery 201 where guests can experience one of the defining works of Impressionism in its longtime home.

WHERE: (more…)


Rendering of “Kuen’s Surface” (2008) by Hiroshi Sugimoto on the art platform in the central garden by DarcStudio. Courtesy Hirshhorn

Exciting news from the Hirshhorn:

“A garden takes time. Anticipation starts now. 🌿✨

On October 31, the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden reopens, reimagined by Hiroshi Sugimoto. Expect more art, more ways in, and more room for the free artist talks, performances, tours, artmaking and a-ha moments you already love. (more…)


Tickets available here.

From Hillwood:

“On August 5, Hillwood comes to life in our extended hours program! Join us for a summer evening featuring art, live music, art-making, and more.

See the exhibition Interwoven: A Tradition in Textiles to discover beautiful and extraordinary works of textile art. Engage with the exhibition’s curator. Listen to high-energy live performances by The JoGo Project, led by saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed, as they perform an award-winning blend of jazz and DC’s own go-go music. Create your own no-sew embroidery collage inspired by the textiles in the exhibition. Enjoy the rare opportunity to self-guide through the mansion, greenhouse, and gardens in the evening light. Try delicious drinks and food specials (for purchase) at Merriweather Café.

This event will take place rain or shine!

PROGRAM TIMELINE (more…)



Courtesy of the Smithsonian

From an email:

“The Smithsonian will welcome families and children to Smithsonian Family Day, a free event Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall.

The event will feature live performances by The Washington Ballet and the Dylan Lizza Quartet; hands-on STEM and art activities; historical reenactors portraying George Washington and Amelia Earhart; and appearances by beloved PBS KIDS characters.

It’s also the last chance for visitors to see “American Aspirations” before the exhibition closes July 26 next door at the Smithsonian Castle.

Admission is free, and no tickets or registration are required.” (more…)


From the Smithsonian:

“The Smithsonian will debut “Smithsonian Dreams,” a large-scale, multisensory public art experience by Refik Anadol, internationally acclaimed media artist and director of Refik Anadol Studio, on the National Mall. On Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, beginning at 9 p.m., the historic Smithsonian Castle will be transformed into a dynamic landmark, inviting visitors to experience an immersive night of light, sound and visuals. (more…)



photo by Ted Eytan

From The National Museum of Women in the Arts:

“The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) announces the opening of a new Museum Café. The launch will take place on Wednesday, July 8, a Free Community Day with summer extended hours.

Located on the mezzanine, the Museum Café reflects a new partnership with local coffee experts Slipstream, and will offer iced and hot coffees and teas, in addition to light bites and pastries. Through the Slipstream Roasting Project, the Museum Café is proud to offer a coffee bean from Colombia’s Huila region cultivated solely by female farmers using traditional, sustainable techniques. The line of beans, Las Esmeraldas, was sourced exclusively for the Museum Café at NMWA. Museum members receive a 10% discount at the café.

NMWA’s Free Community Day features an Open Studio from 10 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. with free, (more…)



from last year’s Solstice, Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution

From the Smithsonian Institution:

“For the first time, the Smithsonian is expanding its popular Solstice Saturday into a three-day celebration, inviting visitors to kick off summer from Friday, June 19, through Sunday, June 21.

As part of America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s Solstice weekend offers more opportunities than ever to experience Smithsonian museums, exhibitions and programs.

On Friday and Saturday, select museums on the National Mall will remain open until 11 p.m., offering extended exhibition hours alongside special after-hours programming. The celebration continues Sunday with family friendly daytime programming across multiple locations. Additional program details and a list of opening hours are available online.

Note: This month, pedestrian and vehicle access along and across the National Mall may be limited. Visitors should allow extra time to travel between museums on the Mall.

Events (more…)


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